Description: Western Springs, IL is located on the Metra BNSF line, the busy BNSF triple track “Racetrack”. It is a great location if you want to be close to the action and still view trains from your car. It is about a half hour Metra ride to Union Station with stops at a few other good railfan locations. As with all of the locations on ‘the Racetrack”, there is a heavy mix of BNSF through freights and Metra Commuter trains. The Station is open most of the day and provides restrooms and shelter during inclement weather.

Other interesting or fun stuff: The World Famous Brookfield Zoo is located in nearby Brookfield, Within walking distance of the Hollywood Metra stop.

Gregariousness quotient: Low (Not many railfans congregate, and commuters always have their own agenda.)

Local breakfast:Kirschbaum’s Bakery, ½ block east of the Metra station, on Burlington Ave. has some of the world’s finest pastries and goodies. They sell out early and close early in the day. (closed Sunday & Monday)

Ice Cream: Oberweis Dairy at 929 Burlington, just west of the station is an old Fashioned Dairy bar.

Local Pub and grub: Many fine places in nearby LaGrange.

Personal observations: One of my favorite places to railfan.

“Money is like manure, of very little use except it be spread.” - Francis Bacon

Denver Todd is The Gregarious RailfanTodd Sestero is the RAILFAN GUIDES of the U.S.December 2014

Do you have info that you could share with me. I would welcome suggestions, additions, or corrections to this page (or any page). New info will be credited on the page. e-mail me at gregariousrailfan@gmail.com